Letters Impromptu x Alma Chains

This week, featuring the Derek chain from Alma Chains.

(glasses chain: Alma Chains; top: Front Row Shop; pants: Forever 21 (similar here);

sandals: Aldo; sunglasses: similar here; clutch: Wego (similar here);

watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs)

Photos by Lisa from Paint with Stars

Who ever said glasses chains were only for reading glasses? The amazing Alma Chains has got every kind of chain to dress up your sunglasses, glasses, any kind of eyewear you can imagine. Alma is an Australian company founded by two ladies, Anji and Darcie. I love their concept of glasses chains - "harmonizing function with style... a 24 hour accessory." With a stylish pair of chains, you will never lose your glasses (ever), and it makes for a statement accessory.

For this shoot, Lisa and I trekked over to Kagurazaka, a cute little place in Tokyo with a beautiful shrine right behind the station. I paired my Derek chain with these sunglasses I randomly found at the Red Brick Warehouse in Yokohama for 1000 yen (about $10). A match made in heaven, seriously. I wanted to keep the rest of my look minimal, just black and white with a touch of red lip color. I also love this bralet top from Front Row Shop - I'm hoping I can find something sheer that I can layer under when it becomes a little cooler (I am melting everyday in this extreme heat).

You can check out more awesome chains from Alma Chains here, and follow them on Instagram @almachains. Which chain do you like the best? Get yours today :)

Love,

Samantha Mariko

birthday

I celebrated my birthday yesterday after work. My coworkers surprised me with a sweet birthday gift and I was treated to birthday dinner by a special someone. It made me so happy to receive birthday messages via text, email and my social media. Thank you so much!! 

Wearing Alexander Wang, Front Row Shop, Forever 21 and Aldo.

Much love,

Samantha Mariko

summer shoes

My casual shoes of choice for the warm summer months - Vans checkered slip-ons, Madrid Eva Birkenstocks, and Aldo platform flats.

What's your shoe of choice this season?

Love,

Samantha Mariko

skater

 (top: Topshop; skirt: H&M; beanie: Le Ciel Bleu; cap: Wego; shoes: Aldo)

Photos by Lisa (Paint with Stars)

Hair & Makeup by Chihiro Yoda

I feel like I say this every time I do a photo shoot, but this is seriously by far one of my favorite shoots. 

I shot with Lisa last autumn and we finally scheduled this little shoot in Harajuku. Her friend Chihiro did my hair and makeup in her studio and we ventured out in the quiet part of Harajuku for possible locations. And this is what we came up with. I don't think this shoot even lasted an hour, or even half an hour.. 

My favorite prop was probably the cones.. especially the "no trespassing" one ;)

Thank you Lisa and Chihiro for an amazing and fun shoot! Can't wait to work with these ladies again!

And one candid shot:

Good night <3

Love,

Samantha Mariko

hip hop scene

(sweater: Le Ciel Bleu; skirt: g.u.; sneakers: Aldo)

Photo credit to Sonny B

Today, I had a Shibuya hip-hop adventure with Sonny B, a song-writer and rapper based in Tokyo. I'm so glad our mutual friend made the connection because he introduced me to an area in Shibuya that I didn't know existed - colorful graffiti walls, a hip hop record & clothing stores. Glorious way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Thanks Sonny! I'm so ready to start my week.

Love,

Samantha Mariko